design in jamaica: excellence oyster bay

Jamin and I were grateful to take a little getaway this last week to Jamaica.

Re-entry is a thing. We came back to a sick kiddo and lots of workload, and it was at the very beginning of all things crazy with Coronavirus, which we feel escalated quickly… the kids have been out of school for an entire week now since it’s now in our county. So between the tornadoes here in Nashville and all the crazy in the world, we’re glad we were able to squeeze it in but also grateful our family is okay. We’re looking for ways to help in our community, and praying everyone stays well and safe.

Despite all the real world stuff, we feel inspired and wanted to share a little of the design that we spied there. Sometimes, it feels silly to write about this kind of stuff, but sometimes we realize our site is a good escape. So we’re sharing some of our favorite design elements that we spied there for a little inspiration.

We can’t thank your amazing travel agent Rachel from Vacations Booked enough, and if you need a vacay in your future, check out how amazing she is too. We stayed at the Excellence in Oyster Bay, Jamaica and truly loved every minute. If you have any questions we’re more than happy to answer them below. But since we’re #nottravelbloggers, I’m going to move on.

This isn’t the Oscars, but I can’t mention this trip without acknowledging my mom for holding down the fort. We came back to happy safe children, folded laundry and clean sheets, and a clean microwave. Y’all. Seriously. We’re very grateful for a chance to spend some time together and work on our relationship and just unplug from every day life so we can come back and be better people. She is too good to us.

Also also? Side note: Do a silent disco if you EVER get the chance. I know we look silly but it was SO ridiculously fun

+ a pretty great workout.

But what we wanted to talk about today was the design at this resort. Because for me, there were little bursts of inspiration everywhere, from color to texture and thoughtfully clever application of materials. We don’t know about you guys, but feeling inspired is just as important as being able to unplug. 

So when I got the chance, I awkwardly fumbled around with my phone and looked like a total tourist {because what else would I be at an all inclusive resort?} while I documented some of our faves. And I wanted to share a little inspiration today. Because sometimes we get out of our little corner of the world, shake off the cobwebs and love soaking it all in.

The tile combos in the ice cream shop were definitely shot-worthy. We love the way they cleverly combined combined to make a fabulous pattern. 

Yes, I do have freakishly long finger toes. Shhhh. 

This little corner was absolutely swoon worthy, with it’s towering steel windows, planked ceilings, and gauzy curtains. When we first arrived, it was raining. So we settled in here with some rum punch and a good book. I wasn’t complaining. 

Bookmarking for later, but I’d only need a few more comfy sofas {and y’all know I’d throw in some colorful accents} and this would be my ideal living room. I’d have to say the entire design of the resort has a Modern Caribbean Victorian vibe, with global touches here and there, and you’ll see more of that below. 

This light stopped me in my tracks. Yes, I was the design nerd whipping out her phone and taking photos of inanimate objects. The photo doesn’t do it justice since the base was easily 5 feet wide. 

And this collection of cuties.

There’s something about them all bundled together that makes them so fun.

I loved the way this bookshelf was utilized as a room divider in the waiting area. Still open, but serving it’s purpose in a great light-filled modern way. Those chairs are also drool worthy, but I love them even more paired with the brass. Shelves lined the entire front lobby, all the way down. And I loved that they were stacked with actual chunky design books. I could have stayed all week in that area, just perusing the books.

Cane + brass = classic components contrasted with the modern shapes.

An up close of those floors.

Who knew checkered floors could be so classic and not in a 1970-something way?

This wallpaper in our suite!

We upgraded to the honeymoon suite when they ran a special – for those of you who are curious, we plan to post a video about it later on. But it was so much fun. 

This wall at one of the restaurants.

Metal + acrylic designs = winning. Seriously storing away this concept as well. 

And the little cluster of lights hanging there as well for such a delightful little contrast.

But I instantly fell in love when I spied these in the steakhouse.

When I asked, the people in the restaurant weren’t sure where they were from. I knew I must have one because I was totally obsessed, so I tracked down a few. They’re hard to come by and actually originate from Morocco and Spain. They’re officially known as Spanish handmade esparto grass bulls. 

I plan to add one to our home in the near future so wish me luck. I didn’t bring home an actual souvenir for myself and this will forever remind me of our trip. There’s something about filling your house with things of sentimental value and this will be one of them.

LOVE. 

This fretwork/porch combo. 

Also, apparently I have a thing for poached eggs and salmon for breakfast. Who knew? I’m a little embarrassed by the boujee level of that last sentence – doesn’t it sound a little much? But it’s my new favorite. I’ve now figured out how to poach my own. Go me. 

Here’s a closer view. My last trip to Jamaica in college was to work with the people, and we traveled the island. I remember one of the things that dazzled me so much, besides the kindness of the people there, were their ornate pieces on their buildings and homes. 

And this view of the giant umbrella overhead that I would like to take home with me and stare at in our back yard. I mean, I know this is technically a design post but can we marvel at how our land-bound states need more of this, on a warm day with a comfy seat underneath?

This wall. Because skinny brick + mortar wash on interior walls never get old. 

And this finish on the ceilings of the restaurants were a win.

Apparently I was looking up often. See what I would have missed? 

These heavy window and door combos throughout.

We love the contrast of the dark wood with white walls and polished floors.

I spied this tile installation in one restroom. In real life, it had more of a blue hue. 

And Jamin saw this one in the men’s.

I think it made him dizzy. 

More door /ceiling / floor combos we loved.

And a cane panel accent wall?

YES. Adopting this one later as well. This one might just be my favorite.

This black marble stair case… along with the railing and dark windows.

Can I just move the whole thing to my house? Thanks. 

So Jamaica was dazzling.

The design at the resort, was eye candy.

We’ve come back energized, inspired and ready to go! 

What’s your favorite design element you’ve spied? We’d love to hear. 

Have an inspired day!